Why does grammage shape
the perceived quality of a brand?

Did you know…paper grammage is more than just a number? 

The grammage of paper significantly impacts the appearance and feel of creative projects. Thicker paper combines strength and aesthetics, but can be too rigid for some uses. On the other hand, thinner paper feels easier to handle and more delicate to the touch. Papers with higher grammage per unit area have greater strength and can hold their shape for magazine covers, packaging and 3D sculptures… Handfeel, texture, and flexibility are influenced by both the measurement system used and the type of paper. Understanding the importance of paper grammage will help you choose the right paper for your intended purpose.

The importance of paper grammage 

Paper is weighed in terms of grams per square metre (GSM). GSM is a standardised metric measurement that measures the mass of a single square metre of paper in grams. The GSM system also incorporates points or microns, which measure the paper’s actual thickness. 

However, despite following a standardised approach, thickness can still vary slightly with a GSM grading. This is due to the fact that the density of the paper, what fibres it’s made from, and how it's made all contribute to how thick or stiff a sheet feels.

Paper with high grammage resists curling, allows for sharper printing, and gives a more substantial, premium feel to the material. 

Paper with low grammage is often used for leaflets, brochures.. Attractive due to its lightness and flexibility, ideal for easy handling and folding.
 

Rives textured papers
 

How paper grammage impacts texture and feel 

Paper grammage plays a central role in how its texture is perceived by touch and sight. The reaction people will have to your project largely depends on what type of paper you use.  

Higher grammage papers often have greater thickness and rigidity. They are more tactile and robust to the touch. Heavier papers carry impressions well. High-weight paper provides a more premium hand-feel and is more durable. Textured finishes are best achieved with 200 gsm or higher stocks.

Lower grammage papers are softer, more pliable, and delicate. Subtle surface patterns may be less noticeable. However, they have several unique advantages in both artistic and practical applications.

Conqueror Connoisseur Wove Watermark

The links between paper grammage, hue, and brightness

Paper grammage also subtly influences how hue and brightness are perceived.

Higher grammage papers between 200-300 gsm tend to be opaque. They reduce light transmission and enhance colour saturation. Paper with a higher GSM rating can also hold ink much better than lightweight paper. This results in colours that are more vibrant and less susceptible to fading over time.
 
Lower grammage papers allow more light to pass through. This slightly dulls the colour and makes whites appear less pure. Because ink seeps deeper into lighter paper than it does into heavier paper, colours can appear more muted. 

The brightness of paper affects how much light its surface reflects. Brighter papers reflect more light, leading to stronger contrast and more vibrant, saturated colours. High-brightness papers are most effective when the grammage is adequate to ensure opacity and a smooth surface. A high-brightness sheet with low grammage can scatter light unevenly, which reduces the vibrancy of the colours.

The underlying tone of the paper can be categorized as cool white, warm white, slightly yellow, or bluish. This choice of tone significantly influences the perceived colour balance. 

Warm-toned papers may make inks appear duller or warmer, while cool white sheets can enhance the sharpness or neutrality of colours. 

Heavier papers maintain hue stability better because their thickness reduces the impact of background show-through. A cool-white tone looks cleaner on heavier stocks. Warm hues on thinner papers can appear dull or uneven.
 

How to choose the right paper grammage for any project

Understanding the differences in paper weight is important when it comes to selecting the right paper for your project. Knowing how weight translates to thickness and texture will help ensure that your materials look and feel the way you want them to.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right decision: 

• Lightweight paper is typically graded at 70–120 gsm.
• Medium-weight paper generally ranges from 150–200 gsm.
• Heavyweight paper goes beyond. 

Antalis offers a range of grammages, a variety of finishes, colours and textures to suit any professional project, even the most demanding.